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Introduction |
Introduction |
The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more than a thousand years of history, its own language and unique traditions and culture. It features almost 600km of stunning Mediterranean coastline, stretching from Portbou at the French border to the Delta of the River Ebro. It encompasses the Costa Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresme and then the Costa Dorada, where you’ll find the well-known resort of Salou, home to the largest theme park in Spain.
Catalonia is also blessed with a remarkable variety of landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers a year-round haven. The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumble down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees, clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddly formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanic parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain range at Montserrat - so unique it has been declared a UNESCO conservation area.
Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there are undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in some parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intense dedication of the land workers and the irrigation from the River Ebro favours the region with exceptional olive oil, wine and fruit. The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazing historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities and stunning architecture.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of the most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offers enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook with pages and pages of information.
Fact file
Language: Catalán
Location: Northeast Spain
Population: 6 million
Area: 32,000km2
Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona
Region capital: Barcelona
Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Costa Dorada
Currency: Euro (€)
National Day: 11 September
Patron saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)
Patron saints day: 23 April
Government: The Generalitat
Major Football Clubs: FC Barcelona, Espanyol
Catalan Tourist office: 00 34 934 849 900
Sport plays an important role in Catalonia’s tourism infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:
· 40 marinas for sailing
· 29 golf courses
· 3 flying clubs
· 15 ski resorts
· A wide range of adventure and water sports
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Barcelona - the capital |
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Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout the world for its amazing architecture as much as for it’s people and way of life.
There is much to see, here are some of the highlights:
La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)
Antoni Gaudi’s world-renowned, still to be finished, masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Parc Guell (Guell Park)
Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works, this park is characterised by sculptures and mosaics by the designer, as well as pretty winding paths and tranquil greens.
Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a showcase for over three 3,600 paintings, sculptures and drawings.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
A striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier is home to a collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.
Las Ramblas
Pedestrianised historical street lined with flower stalls, restaurants and bars.
La Boqueria
A popular and well known food market selling some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.
Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
Historic walking area with buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.
Ciutat Vella (Old City)
A fascinating area, steeped in history, with narrow streets and squares, Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants.
L'Eixample
This district dates from the 19th-century and shows off works by famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.
Port Vell
Barcelona’s vivacious harbour, full of yachts and cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex, featuring a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an aquarium.
Tibidabo Mountain
A get-away from the main city, this mountain has a small amusement park and is a favourite walking route for hikers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.
Parc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)
Zoo famous throughout the world for being home to Snowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.
Barcelona Aquarium
The largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of Barcelona’s main attractions.
Nou Camp Stadium
This gigantic football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe, with a seating capacity of 100,000.
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Gerona |
The historical city of Girona, lying inland, is split into two by The River Onyar. Its cathedral, a fusion of many different historical periods and styles, highlights the old quarter. Take a stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall, stone walls, offering an abundance of shops and quaint little riverside cafes – there’s one in Ballesteries Street that’s worth a look, its interior tiled with a hotchpotch of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and seating strewn with luxurious cushions.
The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the old City Walls, and the museums of archaeology and history are of notable interest whilst the churches of Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight the religious background of the region.
Don’t miss the Saturday market, a parade ground for the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruit and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses. And don’t forget to stop off for some scrumptious freshly made Churros!
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The Catalan Pyrenees |
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The great northern strip of Catalonia formed by the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees stretches from Cap de Creus on the coast to Val d’Aran far inland. These are spectacular landscapes dominated by soaring mountain peaks, deep valleys where great rivers are born, alpine meadows and firwoods. Give free rein to all the emotions that will be awoken as you delight in all the possibilities the Catalan Pyrenees offer. Here are the major ski resorts for winter and a whole range of activities and fantastic food and accommodation for holidays all year round. Try the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park as a great starting point. |
Montserrat |
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of a 1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery. Here you’ll find a blend of nature, culture and holiness. This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiago de Compostela, and travellers are greeted at their journey’s summit by the 12th century Madonna – the Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, known as La Moreneta (the dark virgin).
If you are daring enough to take the cable car to the tiny chapel at Santa Cova (the site of the discovery of La Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacular views - on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!
Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona with trains leaving every hour.
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Tortosa and the Ebro Delta |
Tortosa has often been defined as a crossroads city in which the ancient lands of the Crown of Aragon converge. It is the point of encounter of the River Ebro and the Mediterranean Sea, a point of co-habitation between different cultures. Saracens, Jews and Christians lived together for a long period in this city, which allows us to follow the footprints of these peoples who lived there for centuries and bequeathed to it a rich historic and artistic heritage. This beautiful 2000 year old city has a lot to discover. Close by the Ebro Delta a protected area for birds and the biggest wetland in Catalonia, also has extensive fine sandy beaches and is dotted with delightful old fishing towns. |
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Tossa de Mar |
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A charming coastal resort steeped in history, and overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walled town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blends seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) - a maze of narrow winding streets dotted with boutique style shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants.
Tossa’s strict ‘no high-rise’ policy means your scenic walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain to coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, opened in September 2005, is something not to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella, the observation platforms offer spectacular views along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and the centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtual demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.
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Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella de Montgri |
The largest marine nature reserve in Catalonia and one of the most important in the whole of the Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a small archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefs just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda and the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptional biological and ecological worth. The varying depths of the sea water around the islands, and the contrast of the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combined with the rock-type which lends itself to the formation of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract a wide variety of species – as many as 1,345 have been recorded. |
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Figueres |
In the north of Catalonia you’ll find Figueres, best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum. Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditional dance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the castle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of Sant Pere, the Museum of l’Emporda and the Toy Museum. |
Don't go home without trying... |
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A trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava coastline
Whether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom boat, a Catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and cava, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power boat ride, you’ll be amazed by the bays and coves studding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of the bays are only accessible by boat or on foot, making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil turquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of the breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the labyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves could even find themselves on a hidden beach, and you may even find some age old forgotten treasure left by pirates many centuries ago!
Crema cremada / Crema Catalana (caramelized custard cream)
No visit to Catalonia is complete without trying this dessert. Catalan cream can be described as crème brullee - creamy custard with a crisp caramel topping. Catalan creams are flavoured with lemon zest and are traditionally served in an earthenware dish.
The Sardana
The Sardana is a very old Catalan dance. It is an open dance that can be joined and left again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands up in the air and coordinating the steps in accordance with a complex set of rules. The Sardana is performed to the tune of a typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band is called la Cobla and their sound is very distinctive, and quite addictive. Throughout the year there are many occasions when you will have the chance to see - or join in - this dance, from local to national fiestas.
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People watching |
Watching people make human towers – Castellers
One of the most spectacular sights observed during a Catalan festival sees teams of enthusiasts form human towers – castells - which can be up to ten people high. This complex task of organisation and perfect timing starts with a square of strong men linking arms to form a base, so that lighter men and women can climb onto their shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces, as more lighter and smaller people climb up, increasing the storeys. Finally, the ‘anxeneta’, a young boy or girl, clambers bravely to the top, some 10 metres above the ground, and lifts one arm to show that the castell is complete. Immediately after this, the castell begins to unravel - and sometimes the tower will collapse – to gasps from the surrounding crowd who all immediately strengthen their arms in readiness to break the Castellers’ falls.
Nothing else to do but drink cava and soak up the sun
The yachts of the rich, moored discreetly in hidden bays and coves. Their smartly-dressed professional crew tending to a smoking barbeque, and pouring sparkling cava for elegant sunbathers, who will momentarily stir and look out from under their lolloping straw hats and designer shades to see who may be passing by.
Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in Barcelona
The equivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of St George, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for those in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air of happiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says that on this day, men should give the woman in their life a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a book as a sign of love and friendship. So you’ll see the famous pedestrian street of Las Ramblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and books, and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts – and kisses.
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Photographs provided by and copyright: Introduction, Barcelona, Pyrenees, Tortosa, Illes Medes – Generalitat de Catalunya, Gerona – Dennis Harvey, Tossa de Mar, Yacht – Sarah McInerney
With thanks to Sarah McInerney for writing this article. Further original articles and press releases on Tossa de Mar available through her website at
www.tossacostabrava.com |
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